Plasterboard calculator
A standard 2400 × 1200 mm sheet of plasterboard covers 2.88 m². Add about 10% for cuts around doors, windows and edges.
- Drywall screws (about)
- 108
- Screws per sheet
- 27
- One sheet covers
- 2.88 m²
- Area
- 9.6 m²
9.6 m² of wall in 2400 × 1200 mm sheets, plus 10% extra.
Screws are an estimate. Doors and windows are not taken off, which leaves spare board for cuts.
Plasterboard sheets by area
2400 × 1200 mm sheets with 10% extra.
| Area | Example | Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m² | Small wall | 2 |
| 9.6 m² | Wall 4 m × 2.4 m | 4 |
| 12 m² | Bedroom ceiling 4 × 3 m | 5 |
| 20 m² | Large ceiling | 8 |
| 36 m² | All walls of a bedroom | 14 |
How we calculate this
We divide your area, plus extra for cuts, by the area of one sheet and round up.
For screws, British Gypsum fixes boards at 300 mm centres on walls and 230 mm on ceilings, into every stud or joist. We use that to estimate screws per sheet.
Questions people ask
How big is a sheet of plasterboard?
The standard UK size is 2400 × 1200 mm, which covers 2.88 m². Smaller sheets such as 1800 × 900 mm are easier to handle on your own.
How many screws per sheet of plasterboard?
On walls with studs at 600 mm, about 27 screws per 2400 × 1200 mm sheet. Ceilings need more, as screws are closer together and joists are often 400 mm apart.
Which thickness should I use?
12.5 mm is the usual choice for walls and ceilings. 9.5 mm is lighter but needs supports closer together. Fire-rated, moisture-resistant and acoustic boards are also available for specific rooms.
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